Idaho Literature and Writing Masters & MFA Degrees On Campus Programs

Literature and Writing Masters & MFA Degrees are offered on-campus for those students seeking a social learning atmosphere. Most Masters in Literature or Master in Fine Arts in Writing programs involve participation in the form of discourse and critique which helps students refine their writing style, learn advanced methodologies of literary criticism and practice critical thinking. If you are someone who thrives on interaction, attending graduate school in person to earn your Masters in Literature or MFA in Creative Writing degree warrants consideration.

Literature and Writing Masters & MFA Degrees: Program Basics

While you can expect each graduate school to have their own admissions protocol, apart from a Bachelor’s degree, prospective students are asked to submit a writing sample and letters of recommendation. Master’s Degree programs in Literature and Writing may take between 1 and 2 years to complete, although this varies – especially if you attend part-time. It is not uncommon for a Literature and Masters Program to have different components. Often in addition to literature classes, students have independent study which culminates in a thesis. In some programs (such as Comparative Literature), a foreign language is often required. There may also be an internship or practicum component.

DID YOU KNOW? Many magazines and newspapers also have internships for students. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and gain general publishing experience.(BLS).[i]

Choosing a Literature and Writing Master’s Degree

Literature and Writing are often studied together, however a Masters in Literature may emphasize the genre, author or narrative and literary style whereas an MFA Degree in Writing is likely to focus on how to communicate through the written word.

Choosing a Literature and Writing Masters Degree

Program should reflect your career ambitions. For instance:

Are you hoping to apply to a community college English faculty to teach composition and theory?

Do you enjoy correcting writing style and interacting with other writers?

Is the Masters Degree a stepping-stone to a PhD?

Do you aspire to author a novel, write poetry, or non-fiction?

Are you hoping to learn how to inform through writing?

Do you enjoy foreign language?

Do you want to enhance your scholastic understanding of a literary style, era or genre?

Do you want to learn how to develop story-lines?

Do you enjoy factual communication?

Are you interested in writing a screenplay?

Do you want to build a portfolio of professional-quality writing samples?

Are you interested in multi-media design?

Types of Literature and Writing Masters Programs

There are a variety of different types of Literature and Writing Masters Programs, so if you had some distinct answers to the above questions, you might look into a specialized degree as opposed to a general Master’s degree in Literature and Writing. Naturally, if you are in a literature program, your ability to write is important, but not in the same way as it is in an MFA degree program where you might learn fundamental skills in analysis and planning, writing, style and editing. Usually offered as Master of Arts and Masters of Fine Arts degrees, Literature and Writing Masters programs fall into several categories:

Why Study Literature and Writing On-Campus?

The format of most graduate Literature and Writing programs often entails a campus requirement since a high level of participation and communication in class amongst students in usually entailed.

Interaction

Earning your Literature and Writing Master’s Degree on Campus places you in an environment that may challenge and stimulate your creativity. Many programs blend theory, research and hands-on experience through team projects or group workshops where students can work on their proficiencies in writing and analysis.

Teaching Experience

Some postsecondary teachers gain teaching experience by working as graduate teaching assistants at their university or college.[ii]

Night and Day

Some Literature and Masters Programs may be designed to accommodate students who work full time; therefore, required core courses are offered at night.

Workshops

In writing courses, students may examine advanced principles in writing. This is often covered through workshops, where students share their work with others in order to discuss it and receive feedback.

Accreditation

Accredited universities and colleges will typically be recognized by the Council for Education in Higher Learning (CHEA).[iii]

Take the Next Step

Searching is easy on GradSchools.com. In fact, you can look for graduate schools by location – use the city, state or country tabs depending on your preference. Otherwise, choose your subject and browse sponsored listings such as MFA in Creative Writing, MSc in Comparative Literature, MA in Classical Studies, Master of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature for Educators. If you find multiple listings in a specific area, requesting info from the graduate school through the green tab is a helpful way to distinguish the features of each university and what they offer to compare it with your academic and vocational goals.

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